What is Plagiarism?

It is using someone else’s ideas or creative work (called intellectual property) without giving them credit. It is stealing someone else’s work and then lying by claiming that it is your work. Paraphrasing or putting that idea in your own words is still plagiarism if you do not cite your source and give that person credit for their work. You must accurately paraphrase so that you do not distort the author’s ideas and damage his or her intellectual property. It is also plagiarism if you cite the source but fail to put quotes around the phrases you have directly copied.

How can you avoid Plagiarizing?

The best way to avoid plagiarism is to do a thorough job of researching and keep careful notes that are well organized. List and cite the source at the time you first read it. That way you will know what the source is for each idea. Put quotes around the phrases that you copied and correct any inaccuracies. Do not forget to cite your source, even though the idea is now in your own words. For further information go to http://www.plagiarism.org/

How can you check to make sure you have not plagiarized?

Many of your teachers will require you to submit your papers to http://www.turnitin.com. This site will check your paper for originality.

How can you protect you intellectual property and still let others use your work?